The Reason for TIWIKE

Things I Wish I’d Known Earlier.  The title of this blog is so personal and important to me. I was e-mailing with my girlfriend this morning about the blog, so I was in the position to articulate the reason for the name and for the blog itself.

In my own way, I’ve been through the ringer. I haven’t suffered any severe personal tragedy, thankfully. But I’ve certainly been through some difficult times, with two divorces, five layoffs and various other sundry problems. Lots of highs and lows. It just seems like I am periodically trying to “land on my feet” again.

So why the blog?

I’ve learned some stuff about how to manage myself during trying times. And I meet a lot of people who are going through their own turmoil for different reasons: tough job market, middle life crisis, kids and aging parents, dating after divorce; you name it. It seems that life can be challenging, and oftentimes when we are being challenged it can feel like we’re the only ones. Feeling like you’re alone in your experience just adds a factor of isolation that makes the experience even more challenging.

With the appearance of the web, and its power to enable all of us to e in contact there is no reason to feel isolated. This is my attempt to share what I’ve learned with others who are experiencing it. Maybe it’s my contribution.

I’m not a counselor. I have business degrees with a Social Science minor. I draw on my spiritual background and life experience for answers to questions and solutions to problems. That’s good enough for some. Counseling has its place, to be sure, but your counselor probably hasn’t spent years struggling to make it happen in the corporate world. I have. Also, if you know any people in the mental health field personally, then you know that they have problems, too. The degree helps them coach you, but they are still human. The education has not guaranteed a stable and fulfilling personal life. Maybe it’s like the plumber, whose faucets always seem to be leaking…

TIWIKE:

You’re not alone in your challenges. Not ever. Even when it feels like you are. There are always people who are going through similar experiences. The key is to talk about it. Reach out to them. Create healthy relationships in your life that will help you navigate your circumstances and grow. I hope that my writing can help in some way.